Van Andel Institute Welcomes Mark Meijer to Board of Trustees

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., April 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Van Andel Institute (VAI), a center for biomedical research and science education, appointed Mark Meijer to its board of trustees on April 21, 2014.

"We are incredibly fortunate to have Mark join us," said David Van Andel, VAI chairman and chief executive officer. "As the founder of Life E.M.S. Ambulance, Mark brings a unique perspective that blends health care, compassion and an entrepreneurial spirit. His expertise will be invaluable as we continue to expand our scientific research and educational outcomes nationally and globally."

Meijer founded Life E.M.S. Ambulance in 1980 with one used vehicle licensed for service. Today, the nationally recognized company employs more than 450 associates in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Ionia, as well as Newaygo, Lake, Mason, Allegan and Van Buren Counties in Michigan. It is one of the country's leading pre-hospital care providers.

A frequent speaker on the topic of emergency medical services, Meijer has been appointed to several key leadership roles in the industry. He continues to maintain his licensure as a paramedic in Michigan. With extensive background and employment history in the retail industry, Meijer also serves on the board of Meijer, Inc.

As a provider of health care, Meijer appreciates how much the field has changed over the past few decades. "When I began as a paramedic, we never dreamed of fields like epigenetics and cardiac regeneration," he said. "Van Andel Institute is on the leading edge of research and is committed to making new treatment options available for patients as quickly as possible."

A member of VAI's Board of Governors since the Institute's beginning, Meijer is looking forward to taking an active role on the Board of Trustees. "We have the talent, the facility and the mindset to push the envelope in the fight to treat and cure devastating diseases like cancer and Parkinson's," Meijer said. "It is an exciting time to be a part of this organization."

About Van Andel Institute - Established by Jay and Betty Van Andel in 1996, Van Andel Institute is an independent research organization dedicated to preserving, enhancing and expanding the frontiers of medical science, and to achieving excellence in education by probing fundamental issues of education and the learning process. This is accomplished through the work of more than 200 researchers in more than 20 on-site laboratories and in collaborative partnerships that span the globe.

Find out more about Van Andel Institute by visiting www.vai.org 100% to Research, Discovery & Hope®.